EAST ROCKINGHAM — A new center for fun and games has arrived in East Rockingham.

The Hive Recreation Center will be celebrating its grand opening from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. today at 107 Mill Road. There will be arts and crafts going on today as well as basketball, t-ball, dodge-ball games and prizes. The center will also be offering a $3 meal of a hotdog, chips and a drink.

The idea came from the mind of William Ferguson, 36, of Rockingham. He developed the idea based on his experiences as a child in have a place to go to spend time and have fun. His wife, Sarah Ferguson, 37, was on board. With the couple growing up in a military families, they were both used to having a youth center.

“As our kids got older, we kind of wanted the same environment to be available to them,” Sarah Ferguson said.

The couple set out to look for a building that would be a great location and were lucky enough to come across a building that William Ferguson’s uncle had up for rent.

“Once I took a look at the building and saw the size of it, I felt like it would really fit what we had in mind for it,” William Ferguson said.

The couple has since worked diligently to get it prepared for its grand opening. A gym area has been set up along with women’s and men’s locker rooms. There also is a play area for children to get involved.

The couple have been on the look out for instructors for classes that they would like to be offered at the center as well. One instructor has definitely been found. James Jeter Sr., or Master J, is a Tae Kwon Do instructor who will be offering classes at the center from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting April 1. It is open to all ages as well as all skill levels.

“A lot of my old students have been trying to get me back into teaching,” Jeter said. “It seemed like a great opportunity. I’ve been spreading the word.”

Sarah Ferguson said that the center is really just looking for any and all individuals that have a special talent that they’re willing to share. The center is offering a percentage to the instructor of the money made from those that sign up for the classes. Jeter’s class will cost $20 for kids and $30 for adults, but Jeter will be donating all the money back to the center.

“It depends on the activity really, but most things around here will cost between $3 and $4,” William Ferguson said.

And there is no need for a contract to have fun. All you have to do is go to the center and pay the $3 or $4 to take advantage of the basketball court or the dodge ball games. The couple is trying to make it available to anyone who just wants to get out and have some fun. They’re hoping to get together a family movie night for the center as well.

“We’re even trying to set up a ‘Mommy and Me’ play time to just give moms a break as they enjoy snacks while their kids play,” Sarah Ferguson said.

The center will have a calender of events available at its front desk and online to keep people up to date with the different activities going on.

“The center of activity for bees is the hive, and that is what we want to be, the center of activity,” William Ferguson said.

All those interested in The Hive Recreation Center can contact the center at 910-228-1180 or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thehivereccenter.

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